In November 2019 and after 29 years of service, I came out as transgender to my Novartis colleagues. When I did so, I had the full support of my management, human resources and the Pride Switzerland Employee Resource Group. Using our comprehensive transidentity guidelines we easily navigated the complexities of workplace transition together, quickly adopting my new identity, educating colleagues and offering the flexibility of medical leave when required.

Since coming out I’ve been able to thrive as my true-authentic self every day, bringing more energy, passion and joy to my work than ever before. I am fully accepted, and I’ve become visible as a transgender leader committed to ensuring that all Novartis associates have a positive experience of inclusion and belonging.

I joined Novatis in 2015 when being approached for an HR Head role for a manufacturing location in Slovenia. One of my first things to check before saying yes was how will I - (as an out gay man) be supported in a workplace environment that might be even more hostile in a manufacturing plant (my bias). I saw Novartis not only committed to support LGBTQI associates, but also actively promotes ERGs that can offer a place of belonging and active work to spread inclusion into business teams. I've really had only good experience so far and have not only been welcomed but also appreciated for the work I do outside my regular job (in the D&I space).

What I value the most are Novartis's commitment to change the culture to be more unbossed and inclusive, to give associates opportunities to learn and explore areas we want to develop into and offer support, tools and resources to progress in our careers. On top, last few years have been a clear example that flexibility with regards to working schedules and locations (with responsibility) is providing flexibility that is appreciated by all generations.

I joined Novartis in 2018 and was immediately inspired by the culture and the strong emphasis on inclusion and belonging so that everyone could bring their authentic selves to their workplace. The growth and development opportunities have been amazing and I have held several roles, which have also always given me the opportunity to dedicate some of my time to supporting D&I activities and initiatives, particularly in the PRIDE Prague ERG where our goal is to support the LGBTQI+ community and create awareness and understanding through local events and training, both internally and externally.

I joined Novartis in 2020 during Pandemic and after working at different international consulting firms. I immediately realized that the culture is really people oriented not at policy level, but as part of everyday decisions and embedded in the Leadership style. And when it comes to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is quite clear the level of commitment.

Novartis is really an international company that embraces differences and that allow each person to be their true self in a psychologically safe environment.

What I value the most is the opportunity to growth and the unbossed mindset as well as all the freedom to get involved in different initiatives.

I started my career at Novartis more than 10 years ago, initially with the idea of working in a leading multinational company in the pharmaceutical sector. During my first years of work, I realized that, more than just being a leading company in the pharmaceutical sector, it was a company focused on changing the way of working, highly oriented towards the well-being of its employees. Several years have passed since then and I have seen how this diversity and inclusion oriented culture has evolved enormously, making this company a safe place to work, especially for the LGBTQI+ community to which I belong.

What I value most about Novartis is the genuine interest that exists in taking care of the well-being of employees, its policy of zero tolerance for discrimination and the great opportunities for growth that are offered to all equally.

I joined Novartis in 2021, and it was the first company I felt safe to come out in the professional sphere of my life. I’m amazed by the culture of the company, its policies and support. I worked in different teams and also have an opportunity to co-lead our local Pride ERG in Czech Republic, and I’m happy that I always had a support of my managers to dedicate time for the volunteering, where I can work together with same energetic and passionate people to advocate and help our LGBT+ colleagues to feel same safe to bring their authenticity to work and actually focus on the job and becoming successful, instead of focusing and spending time on hiding their authenticity.